CORE PLUS (Workplace ADR) in the BLM

---

The BLM is committed to providing its employees with a work environment that enables them to deliver quality service for the lands we sustain. To do this, employees have access to effective and efficient mechanisms for resolving EEO and workplace disputes. In addition to the traditional administrative adjudication processes, every BLM employee has the opportunity to utilize an ADR process to resolve an EEO or workplace dispute.  The Departmet of the Interior is currently in the process of establishing the CORE PLUS Program, which will act as an umbrella program to provide conflict management and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in workplace-related issues.  The program will include EEO disputes, grievances, employee-employee conflict, employee-supervisor conflict, and other types of workplace conflict.  BLM policies will conform to those established by the Department.  While the CORE PLUS program is being established, the CORE process will continue to be available for workplace disputes.

Qualified mediators are available for workplace and EEO disputes.

EEO Disputes

While there are numerous forms of ADR currently being used in the Federal sector, in accordance with BLM policy, mediation is the preferred ADR process used to resolve EEO disputes and must be conducted in accordance to Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1614 and EEOC Management Directive (MD) 110 (EEOC MD-110). BLM encourages the use of mediation to resolve disputes as early in the process as possible; however, it is available at any stage of the complaint process.  For more information on ADR in EEO disputes, contact your local EEO Office or contact us.

Grievances

In September 2007, the Department of the Interior released an updated Departmental Manual Chapter on Administrative Grievance Procedures, 370 DM 771.  This manual "strongly encourage[s]" (but does not require) the use of ADR prior to the filing of a formal administrative grievance.  If a formal grievance is filed, ADR is available only when offered by management.  Mediation is the preferred ADR technique for grievances in the Bureau.  For more information about ADR in the grievance process, please contact us.

Workplace Conflict (CORE)

Conflict in the workplace takes many forms, and can affect many people.  Unresolved conflict can impact the effectiveness and health of BLM employees.  The CORE program (and its forth-coming successor, CORE PLUS) is designed to provide conflict management assistance, including conflict coaches, facilitators, and mediators who can provide confidential services to help individuals and groups resolve and prevent conflict, and assist co-workers work better as teams.  For information on services available under the CORE (or CORE PLUS) program, or to find a certified CORE PLUS neutral, please contact us.